Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures

One who will pass the examination will get the title Bhakti-śāstrī.

Lecture on BG 2.8-12 -- Los Angeles, November 27, 1968: Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme, and we are fragmental
parts. We are fragments eternally. These things are explained in Bhagavad-gītā in different places very
nicely. I request you all to keep one copy of this Bhagavad-gītā, every one of you, and read it carefully.
And there will be examination in the coming September. So... Of course, that is voluntary. But I request
you to prepare for the examination next September. And one who will pass the examination will get the
title Bhakti-śāstrī.

You'll get designation, Bhakti-śāstrī.

Lecture on BG 2.26 -- Los Angeles, December 6, 1968: So you read carefully Bhagavad-gītā. Everything is
there. Every word, every line is so, I mean to say, instructive. It is simply... That is the basic principle of
spiritual knowledge. Now we have presented. Every one of you should very carefully read. Every one of
you must have one book and read it carefully and appear in the examination next Janmāṣṭamī. You'll get
designation, (laughs) Bhakti-śāstrī.

Initiation Lectures

This year, so many boys have appeared. They're going to get the title Bhakti-śāstri.

Initiation Lecture -- London, August 22, 1971: So this initiation means to enter into transcendental life.
Why? Now, to make a solution, complete solution of this material existence. This is called illusion. Ādau
gurvāśrayaṁ sad-dharma-prcchāt sādhu-mārganugamanam. You will read all these things in our book,
the Nectar of Devotion, and Bhagavad-gītā also. You should read all these books and appear in the next
year examination. Just like this year, so many boys have appeared. They're going to get the title Bhakti-
śāstri. So utilize you life.

Conversations and Morning Walks

1969 Conversations and Morning Walks

Room Conversation -- April 27, 1969, Boston:

Prabhupāda: Now you read Bhagavad-gītā very carefully. In our examination next January... Yes. From
Bhagavad-gītā for title of bhakti-śāstrī. Now we have to make our organization regularly a spiritual
institution so that we may be recognized, and our students may be freed from this draft board
requisition.

This year we held examination on bhakti-śāstrī.

Room Conversation With John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and George Harrison -- September 11, 1969, London,
At Tittenhurst:
Prabhupāda: (laughs) We can have so many connection with Kṛṣṇa, as friend, as servant, as parents, as
lover, whatever you like. Ye yathā māṁ prapadyante tāṁs tathaiva bhajāmy aham (BG 4.11). You
cultivate that consciousness, how you like Kṛṣṇa. He is prepared to accept you in that capacity. And that
makes a solution of all problems. Here nothing is permanent, nothing is blissful, and nothing is full of
knowledge. Here... This year we held examination on bhakti-śāstrī, and here is the answer of a girl,
Himavati. She has written very nice. I have read it. So we are training these boys and girls to Kṛṣṇa
consciousness according to the Kṛṣṇa science. Anyone can take advantage of it. It is a very nice thing. So
you also try to understand, and if it is nice, you take it up. You are after something very nice. Is my
proposal unreasonable? (chuckles) You are all intelligent boys. Try to understand it.

1976 Conversations and Morning Walks

Unless one passes bhakti-śāstrī, he cannot be second initiated.

Morning Walk -- January 6, 1976, Nellore:

Prabhupāda: Whatever books we have got, it should be studied. Bhakti-śāstrī means Nectar of Devotion,
Bhagavad-gītā, Nectar of Instruction, Beyond Death—in this way we select some ten books. That is
bhakti-śāstrī.

Acyutānanda: So when will that...

Prabhupāda: Then we come to Bhāgavata, then we come to Caitanya-caritāmṛta, in this way. So from
next year, unless one passes bhakti-śāstrī, he cannot be second initiated. First initiation is open for
everyone. "Come on. Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa." That will purify him. Then let him understand what is bhakti.

Correspondence

1947 to 1965 Correspondence

As soon as you get the certificate of degree of "Bhakti-sastri" at once you become a bona fide preacher
of this institution.

Letter to Brother -- Unknown Place September 1955: If you become preacher member, in that case you
will have to pay once Rs 10/- only for the degree of "Bhakti-sastri" which will be awarded to you by
registered certificate of degree for your becoming preaching member of the League and doing the
necessary preaching work on behalf of the League. The preaching work is conducted as follows:

(1) As soon as you get the certificate of degree of "Bhakti-sastri" at once you become a bona fide
preacher of this institution and for this you will have to read "Bhagavad-gita" regularly.
1969 Correspondence

Next January there will be an examination on this Bhagavad-gita. Papers will be sent by me to all
centers, and those securing the minimum passing grade will be given the title as Bhakti-sastri.

Letter to Hamsaduta -- Los Angeles 3 January, 1969 (Based on the 1st paragraph, we believe that the
original letter was incorrectly dated. Our estimate is that this is the correct date.--Bhaktivedanta
Archives): I thank you so much for having nicely appreciated the Bhagavad-gita As It Is. This book should
be read by all of my students at least one chapter per day, and in kirtana class it should be discussed
sloka after sloka. Practically, we have tried to explain in this book all of the basic principles of Krishna
Consciousness. If you can simply cram Bhagavad-gita then you will surely become a very good preacher.

Next January there will be an examination on this Bhagavad-gita. Papers will be sent by me to all
centers, and those securing the minimum passing grade will be given the title as Bhakti-sastri. Similarly,
another examination will be held on Lord Caitanya's Appearance Day in February, 1970 and it will be
upon Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. Those passing will get the title of Bhakti-vaibhava.
Another examination will be held sometimes in 1971 on the four books, Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-
Bhagavatam, Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and Nectar of Devotion. One who will pass this examination
will be awarded with the title of Bhaktivedanta. I want that all of my spiritual sons and daughters will
inherit this title of Bhaktivedanta, so that the family transcendental diploma will continue through the
generations. Those possessing the title of Bhaktivedanta will be allowed to initiate disciples. Maybe by
1975, all of my disciples will be allowed to initiate and increase the numbers of the generations. That is
my program. So we should not simply publish these books for reading by outsiders, but our students
must be well versed in all of our books so that we can be prepared to defeat all opposing parties in the
matter of self-realization.

A first examination will be held sometimes next January on Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and those passing will
have the degree of Bhakti-sastri.

Letter to Kirtanananda -- Los Angeles 12 January, 1969: So you have now taken charge of the sunrise of
New Vrindaban. Our program is there for constructing seven temples. One Rupanuga Vidyapitha—that is
a school for educating brahmanas and Vaisnavas. We have enough of technological and other types of
educational institutions, but perhaps there is none where actual brahmanas and Vaisnavas are
produced. So we will have to establish an educational institution for that purpose.

A first examination will be held sometimes next January on Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and those passing will
have the degree of Bhakti-sastri. Next year we will hold an examination on Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the
person who passes will have the title Bhakti-vaibhava. And the next year we shall hold an examination
on Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Nectar of Devotion and Vedanta Sutra, and those who will successfully
pass will be awarded with the title of Bhaktivedanta. By 1975, all of those who have passed all of the
above examinations will be specifically empowered to initiate and increase the number of the Krishna
Consciousness population.
I hope that you will be enough expert in this Krishna Consciousness science to pass the examination and
be awarded with the title of "Bhakti-sastri".

Letter to Kanupriya -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1969: Try to help in our Krishna Consciousness activities,
and whenever you feel the necessity of my help you are welcome to address me in letter. Read
Bhagavad-gita As It Is very carefully, and we are going to hold an examination next year in January upon
this book. I hope that you will be enough expert in this Krishna Consciousness science to pass the
examination and be awarded with the title of "Bhakti-sastri", one who knows the principles of
devotional service. So think over these matters discussed herein very carefully, and Krishna will help you
in all respects.

We wish to hold examinations and award titles such as Bhakti-sastri, Bhakti-vaibhava, and
Bhaktivedanta.

Letter to Aniruddha -- Los Angeles 4 February, 1969: We wish to hold examinations and award titles such
as Bhakti-sastri, Bhakti-vaibhava, and Bhaktivedanta. The whole program will continue for seven years,
and the students who will be fully engaged in this study of a seven year course will be classified in the 4-
D section of the draft board. Such students will not be called for military activities.

In January of 1970 we will be holding an examination among all of our students on this book, and those
who will pass shall be awarded with the title of Bhakti-sastri.

Letter to Mahapurusa -- Los Angeles 7 February, 1969: I think you may have already heard that in
January of 1970 we will be holding an examination among all of our students on this book, and those
who will pass shall be awarded with the title of Bhakti-sastri. With these examinations I wish to
encourage all my disciples to very carefully learn this philosophy of Krishna Consciousness because there
is so many preachers who will be required to bring this message to all of the corners of the earth.
Caitanya Mahaprabhu has predicted that this movement of Krishna Consciousness will one day be
spread into every village and town, and everywhere there will be found chanting of Hare Krishna.

"Bhakti-sastri" is awarded after extensive study of Bhagavad-gita, Easy Journey, and Nectar of Devotion.

Letter to Brahmananda -- Hawaii 23 March, 1969: Yes, we must set up our society as a school as best we
can—I have already sent you letter. Please formulate the whole curriculum because we have to
immediately submit to the Draft department and if this is accepted that will be great gain for our
society. "Bhakti-sastri" is awarded after extensive study of Bhagavad-gita, Easy Journey, and Nectar of
Devotion. "Bhakti-vaibhava" is awarded after study of Vedanta-sutra and Srimad-Bhagavatam on a
preliminary basis; and "Bhaktivedanta" the highest title, is awarded after extensive study of Caitanya-
caritamrta.

I have signed the certificate and sent it to New York for counter signature of the president, entitling you
as Bhakti-sastri.
Letter to Rupanuga -- Los Angeles 24 July, 1969: I have signed the certificate and sent it to New York for
counter signature of the president, entitling you as Bhakti-sastri. The certificate was finally made a little
hastily, so the printing is not to my full satisfaction. I have asked Aravinda to make a nicer copy, and if
you like, we can give you this nicer copy later on. You remark that in New Vrindaban the capacity is
lacking for taking care of the children. If you can organize a higher level school of theology under your
care, I shall very much appreciate it. In Los Angeles, although the place is nice, it is already almost
congested.

We are planning ministerial status documents through the lawyer here, and it is almost prepared. This
document will be submitted to the draft board, and copies will be sent to other centers for doing the
necessary arrangements. Bhakti-sastri is actually recognition, accepting a person that he knows the
principles of devotional service.

BHAKTISASTRI EXAMINATION.

Letter to Bhakti Sastri Examination -- Los Angeles 4 September, 1969: FIRST YEAR BHAKTISASTRI
EXAMINATION

September 4th, 1969

time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Janmastami Ceremony

Answer any ten of the following questions with reference to the context of scriptures like Bhagavad-gita
As It Is, Brahma Samhita and Isopanisad. The full mark for each question is 100.

1. Who is Krsna?

2. What is your relationship with Krsna?

3. What are you expected to do with your relationship to Krsna?

4. What is the aim of Krsna Consciousness?

5. What do you mean by religion?

6. Is Krsna Consciousness a type of religion or religious faith?

7. How do you distinguish between religion and faith?

8. Can religion or faith be changed from one type to another?

9. How do you distinguish between changeable and eternal religion?

10. What are the different types of religious faiths?

11. Can religion be manufactured by philosophical speculation?

Who created religion first?

12. What is the greatest common engagement of religious men?

13. Do you believe that Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead?

14. If you believe, how do you substantiate? If not, what is your reason?

15. What is Brahman, Paramatma and Bhagavan?

NB: Answer papers with some contribution to my book fund may be submitted to me. I shall
personally examine the papers, and those who will pass will be sent a certificate of Bhaktisastri in due
course. The minimum passing mark is 300 out of 1,000.

Everyone is welcome to appear in the Bhakti-sastri examination and take the title.

Letter to Tamala Krsna -- Tittenhurst 14 September, 1969: I am pleased to note that you will be giving
four classes in Los Angeles universities this year, and everyone is welcome to appear in the Bhakti-sastri
examination and take the title. But one must be acquainted with Krishna philosophy at least for one
year. So the students may attend class for one year as you have already arranged, and if they learn this
philosophy, even if they don't become initiated students, it will be a pleasure for us. Regarding the tests
you are holding there in Los Angeles, keep them there, and when I return I shall see them personally.

1976 Correspondence

In the near future we shall introduce the Bhakti-sastri examination for second initiation and The Nectar
of Instruction shall be one of the required books of study.

Letter to Radhavallabha -- Nellore 5 January, 1976: The Nectar of Instruction has come out very nice. It is
very important and must be immediately read by all devotees. In the near future we shall introduce the
Bhakti-sastri examination for second initiation and this shall be one of the required books of study.
Anyone who reads it will immediately understand what Krishna Consciousness is. Some minister in
Bombay recently asked me how to create morality amongst the students, because the students are all
vagabounds. If this book is introduced for study in the schools and colleges it will give a clear idea of
what morality actually is. It is a most important book.

Soon we shall be introducing the Bhakti-sastri examination which all brahmanas will be expected to
pass.

Letter to Brisakapi -- Nellore 7 January, 1976: Enclosed are the sacred threads for the brahmanas. They
should be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra through the right ear from the tape recording. Brahmin
means to be very clean—inside by chanting the Lord's glories and outside by regular bathing. Teach
everyone by your personal example. Also you must see that the brahmanas are given sufficient time to
read the books. Soon we shall be introducing the Bhakti-sastri examination which all brahmanas will be
expected to pass. It will be based on Bhagavad-gita, N. O. D., Nectar of Instruction, Isopanisad, and the
small paperback books like Easy Journey. A brahmana should be pandita.

Soon we shall be instituting Bhakti-sastri examinations and all brahmanas will have to pass.

Letter to Upendra -- Nellore 7 January, 1976: As to your question concerning whether relationships
between devotees are eternal, the answer is "yes." This is confirmed by Sri Narottama dasa Thakura:
"cakhudana dilo yei, janme janme prabhu sei", he is my Lord birth after birth. In this way you have to
understand, by studying carefully the philosophy. We have got so many books now and I want all of my
disciples to read them carefully. Soon we shall be instituting Bhakti-sastri examinations and all
brahmanas will have to pass. So utilize whatever time you find to make a thorough study of my books.
Then all your questions will be answered.

Now beginning from this year's Mayapur festival the devotees will begin preparing for Bhakti-sastri
examination.

Letter to Nitai -- Bombay 9 January, 1976: Now beginning from this year's Mayapur festival the devotees
will begin preparing for Bhakti-sastri examination. Therefore we require a guidebook for Deity worship,
arcana-paddhati, based on Hari-bhakti-Vilasa. All brahmanas will be responsible to learn this book. I
would like to have the manuscript ready as soon as possible, preferably my Gaura Purnima.

If they pass the examination they will be awarded Bhakti-sastri certificate.

Letter to Tusta Krsna -- Bombay 9 January, 1976: Bhakti-sastri, Bhakti-vaibhava, Bhaktivedanta, and
Bhakti-sarvabhauma. All our brahmanas and anyone wanting to become brahmana, will have to sit for
examination once a year at Mayapur. They will be expected to know Bhagavad-gita, Nectar of Devotion,
Nectar of Instruction, Sri Isopanisad, a book soon to be published on Deity worship, as well as all the
small paperbacks. If they pass the examination they will be awarded Bhakti-sastri certificate. Sannyasis
will be asked to sit for Bhakti-vaibhava examination which will include the first six cantos of Bhagavatam.

In our Vedic Universities we will not encourage anyone to be merely a bookworm. There must be life—
rising early in the morning, attending mangala arati, taking prasadam, etc. The man who is studying will
be brahmana, the farmer will be vaisya. In this way there will be divisions, but they are all one in service
to Krishna.

Soon we will have yearly examinations for brahmanas based on these books and those who pass will be
awarded Bhakti-sastri titles.

Letter to Locanananda -- Bombay 10 January, 1976: The Brahmins must practice cleanliness, internally
by chanting the Lord's glories and externally by bathing regularly. In addition the brahmanas should
study carefully, especially Gita, Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion and Nectar of Instruction as well as all the
small paperbacks. Soon we will have yearly examinations for brahmanas based on these books and
those who pass will be awarded Bhakti-sastri titles.

Brahmana means pandita. Therefore I am suggesting examinations. Bhakti-sastri—(for all brahmanas)

based on Bhagavad-gita, Sri Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and all the small
paper backs.

Letter to Svarupa Damodara -- Bombay 10 January, 1976: I have read the aims and objects of the
Institute and it is done very nicely. I am satisfied that you are properly understanding the philosophy.
The analysis you have given in the section "What is the Bhaktivedanta Institute", regarding the scientists,
technologists, and other so-called authorities is most accurate. According to Bhagavatam, they are all
asses and cows, sa eva gokhara.

I have also suggested for the GBC's consideration, that we introduce a system of examinations for the
devotees to take. Sometimes there is criticism that our men are not sufficiently learned, especially the
brahmanas. Of course second initiation does not depend upon passing an examination. How one has
moulded his life—chanting, attending arati, etc., these are essential. Still, brahmana means pandita.
Therefore I am suggesting examinations. Bhakti-sastri—(for all brahmanas) based on Bhagavad-gita, Sri
Isopanisad, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and all the small paper backs. Bhakti-vaibhava—
the above plus first six cantos of S.B. Bhaktivedanta—the above plus cantos 7-12 S.B. Bhakti-
sarvabhauma—the above plus Caitanya-caritamrta.

These titles can correspond to entrance, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. So just consider how to organize this Institute.
At Mayapur we shall finalize everything.

Those who pass will be given the title Bhakti-sastri.

Letter to Bahudak -- Bombay 11 January, 1976: All of the devotees you have recommended I accept for
initiation. Dharmarupa das, Subavrata dasi, Mahojjvala dasi, Sthanur das, Jagadadija das, Damagosh das
and Kanti-mati should after holding a fire ceremony, be allowed to hear the Gayatri mantra through the
right ear from the tape recording. They must always keep clean, internally by chanting the Lord's glories,
and externally by regular bathing. In addition they should regularly study Bhagavad-gita, Nectar of
Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, Isopanisad and all the paperbacks because soon we shall be holding
examinations based on these books for the brahmanas. Those who pass will be given the title Bhakti-
sastri.

The idea is that anyone, after studying the books, who wants to gain the title of Bhakti-sastri, can take
the exam.

Letter to Satsvarupa -- Mayapur 3 February, 1976: Regarding the examinations, the idea is that anyone,
after studying the books, who wants to gain the title of Bhakti-sastri, can take the exam. This is
academic. Just like a brahmana with sastric knowledge and a brahmana without. It is optional—one who
wants may take. The real purpose is that our men should not be neglectful of the philosophy.